My First Cannes: A Riviera Journey Beyond The Red Carpet

It is interesting that my first trip to Cannes did not begin in France but in Rome. It was a six-night, seven-day trip, with stops including two nights in Rome, one manic day in Cannes during festival time, one night in Monaco, and, lastly, two relaxing nights at the Palazzo Fiuggi near Rome. 

I wanted something mellower before I started my hectic itinerary. So instead of arriving in Nice, I decided to stop over in Rome, which has always been one of my favourite places. Staying at the luxury Nobu Hotel, I gave myself time to enjoy one of the few rituals before going crazy: visiting the Trevi Fountain.

A Gentle Prelude In Rome

The only advice I would give to anyone visiting Rome is to go at 6 AM. The whole city seems sleepy, yet for a while, you can enjoy one of the most iconic landmarks in the world as something exclusively belonging to you! In front of such an amazing piece of Baroque art with the sound of its fountain, I didn’t need to make a wish, but instead felt grateful for all the beauty around me!

After some more sightseeing in the vicinity of the Spanish Steps and a relaxing breakfast at a place called “Roman style,” it was time to go to the airport and catch a plane to Nice, the entry point to the French Riviera. After a quick hour of flying, I had arrived in Nice, from where it took me another 30–40 minutes to get to Cannes.

Stepping Onto Cannes’ Biggest Stage

This was truly a buzzing place before even getting into the heart of the festival. Checking into the legendary Hotel Martinez, considered the epicentre of celebrity activity during the Cannes Film Festival, the hotel transforms into a world of photographers, stylists, actors and guests moving in every direction. The feeling was like being backstage at a photoshoot, looking at the iconic staircases; the banquet was full of suitcases and guests in couture, all walking with purpose. 

A quick lunch at the Martinez Plage restaurant that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, and I could really start taking it all in.

For me, the experience was quite unique, not only because it marked my Cannes debut, but also because it gave me the opportunity to represent Indian jewellery design on a global platform in a way that felt authentic to me. Walking the red carpet wearing jewellery that reflected my design philosophy felt especially significant. It marked an important milestone in my journey as both a designer and an entrepreneur.

And then came the red carpet.

Cannes Up Close

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. My biggest fear was simply not tripping while walking up those famous steps. However, after getting rid of the initial nervousness, I noticed that it all felt quite unreal yet familiar, like stepping into something you had seen your whole life, only now experiencing it for yourself. 

One of the most special moments for me at Cannes was walking the red carpet with my mother. Amid all the excitement, sharing that experience with her made it even more memorable.

I also spotted quite a few K-pop stars and other Indian and International actors, which added to the excitement of being there. But between the red carpet and rushing to catch the screening of Hope, there wasn’t really much time to stop and interact with anyone. We watched Hope, an Asian film that reminded me why the Cannes Film Festival matters so deeply. The stunning cinematography, plot, and emotional side made me understand that this is where film meets the audience.

For travellers hoping to experience Cannes during festival season, you don’t necessarily need an official invitation to soak in the atmosphere. Even though many of the top screenings may be attended through accreditations or partnerships, one can still bask in the excitement of the Palais des Festivals, observe the arrival of celebrities from public viewing zones and watch open-air films on beaches for free.

One of the most memorable experiences has been an invite-only party on the roof, hosted by Chopard, overlooking the city and the sea, which stood in stark contrast to the happening place below — the lights, the energy, and the unmistakable buzz that Cannes carries during festival season. Being there, in such an intimate setting amid one of the world’s most iconic cultural events, made the evening feel especially memorable.

What surprised me most about Cannes, though, was how manageable it felt. While traffic during screenings and festival hours can get quite hectic, the overall logistics are surprisingly smooth and well-managed. Despite its larger-than-life reputation, the city is compact and walkable. If you’re travelling on a budget, trains from Nice are inexpensive and convenient. Taxis are easy to arrange, while private chauffeurs, though considerably more expensive, can make festival week smoother if you prefer comfort and flexibility.

From Riviera Glamour To Wellness Retreat

Monaco came after not very far from Cannes, and that was when it felt as if my holiday needed a break. A quick overnight stay turned into a whirlwind of Riviera luxury and spontaneous shopping. We spent an evening at Nobu, stopped for dim sum and soup at Song Qi, and ended another afternoon with drinks overlooking the sea. Monaco, I realised, is best experienced slowly, even if you only have a day to spare.

After the pace and excitement of Cannes, I wanted to end the trip differently, and Palazzo Fiuggi felt like exactly the reset I needed. Set about 45 minutes outside Rome, the château-like property instantly slowed everything down. I spent my days walking through the sprawling courtyards, experiencing various wellness rituals such as thermal spa therapies, magnesium pools, ice plunges, and massages. One afternoon, I found myself tucked away in the property’s private movie room, watching episodes of Gossip Girl. I also loved how the property’s mineral-rich spring water became part of everyday life, while the meals felt healthy, comforting and genuinely delicious.

The Information

Best time to visit Cannes: May for the Cannes Film Festival; June–September for beaches and Riviera weather.

Visa requirements for Indians: A valid Schengen Visa is required.

How to reach Cannes: Fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. Cannes is about 30–45 minutes by road or accessible via a regional train.

Approximate costs: Nice to Cannes taxi: EUR 80–100; Train: EUR 5–10

Luxury hotels during festival season: significantly higher than usual due to demand.

Can tourists experience the Cannes Film Festival?

Yes. While many screenings require accreditation or an invitation, visitors can enjoy the festival atmosphere, public areas, red-carpet viewing zones, and beach screenings.

Vandana M Jagwani is a creative entrepreneur shaping the evolving landscape of luxury jewellery and design-led ventures. She is the creative director of Mahesh Notandass Fine Jewellery and founder of Vandals.

FAQs

Q1. Can tourists attend the Cannes Film Festival?

Yes. While many screenings require accreditation or invitations, visitors can experience the festival atmosphere, watch celebrity arrivals from designated public areas, and enjoy select beach screenings.

2. What is the best time to visit Cannes?

May is the most exciting time because of the Cannes Film Festival, while the period between June and September offers warm weather, beach experiences, and classic French Riviera charm.

3. How do you get from Nice Airport to Cannes?

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the closest airport. Cannes can be reached in around 30–45 minutes by taxi, private transfer, or regional train.

4. Is Cannes expensive during the film festival?

Yes. Hotel rates, restaurant reservations, and transportation costs rise significantly during festival season due to high demand from industry professionals, celebrities, and visitors.

5. What other destinations can be combined with Cannes?

Many travellers combine Cannes with nearby destinations such as Monaco, Nice, Saint-Tropez, and wellness retreats near Rome like Palazzo Fiuggi for a broader Mediterranean and European itinerary.